Koma Janiform Funerary Figure

Almond eyes, a long nose and a pointed crown, all packed into a squat little pyramid.

This janiform funerary figure is Koma, from Northern Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 13th to 17th century. It is terra cotta. Janiform, or two-faced, figures appear among the Koma terracottas, and the doubled face is often read as looking both ways, though this remains speculative. On this side, large ringed eyes sit high on a triangular head, with a long ridge of a nose and small pierced holes beside it. Coiled forms, perhaps arms, curl down each flank to a broad, flat base. It is 4.6 inches wide and 4.3 high.

Built low and wide, and keeping an eye out in every sense.